Dear Ambassador Nunn,
On behalf of the German Bundesrat and the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, I would like to thank you and your team for hosting this reception.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As the 22nd president of the Bundesrat to come to The Hague, I follow a long-standing tradition for representatives of our two countries to visit each other and to honor the strong friendship that connects us.
In the summer of 2021, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima traveled to Berlin for a state visit.
During his speech in the Bundesrat, the King pointed out that it was impossible “to do justice to the diversity of Germany” without visiting the individual Länder.
I agree and would like to emphasize how pleased we have been to welcome the King and Queen in several other German states since 2013, including Hamburg.
As a city of trade and shipping, Hamburg has always placed great importance on
- international connections,
- cosmopolitanism,
- innovation,
- liberty,
- and freedom of thought.
We maintain good and trusting relationships with partners near and far: our European neighbors and countries overseas.
For Hamburg’s presidency of the Bundesrat, we have chosen the motto “Opening Horizons”.
This reflects our commitment to innovation, new ideas and inspiring cooperation between Germany and our partners around the world.
Germany and the Netherlands are geographic neighbors. We share a long history and common values.
We work closely together and consult with each other in many areas:
- As economic and trade partners,
- in civil society and culture
- and in addressing the challenges of our time.
From the very beginning, our two countries have taken a position condemning Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
We support our Ukrainian neighbors as they defend their freedom and independence, and we do our utmost to restore peace and justice in Europe.
In these times of fundamental geopolitical change, Germany and the Netherlands rely on each other: as bilateral partners, in the European Union and in NATO.
We are also strong allies in the fight for climate protection and a clean and sustainable future.
This includes practical cooperation on offshore wind energy and the development of a green hydrogen economy and the necessary cross-border infrastructure.
With our leading European ports as hubs for the import and distribution of hydrogen, we have the opportunity to lead the energy transition on our continent.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As neighbors, partners and friends, Germany and the Netherlands have achieved a remarkable level and depth of cooperation.
During my stay here, I look forward to discussing important issues of common interest:
- the future of our ports,
- sustainable energy
- and the current political and security situation in our countries and in Europe.
I am sure that these meetings will ‘open horizons’ and further strengthen the Dutch-German partnership.
Thank you for attending this reception, and enjoy the evening.